2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Marketing
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Overview Requirements Courses Careers Worth It?An online master’s in marketing is designed for working professionals currently in the marketing field or those looking to explore a new career path. This master’s degree is typically offered in two ways: a Master of Science or a Master of Business Administration. A Master of Science in Marketing focuses on the quantitative aspects of marketing, such as metrics and analytics, while coursework within a Master of Business Administration in Marketing prepares students to assume leadership roles across the marketing field. Some common courses include Consumer Behavior, Market Research, and Brand Management. Some online degrees offer marketing specializations, such as digital marketing, marketing analytics, and social media marketing. Most programs require students to complete a capstone course. Prospective careers for graduates of an online master’s in marketing include marketing managers, market research analysts, and chief marketing officers.
View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU. You can also explore our list of the most affordable marketing master's programs for alternative options.
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Online Marketing Master's Degrees You May Be Interested In

Southern New Hampshire University Online

Grand Canyon University

Liberty University
Annual Tuition: $8,475
11 Programs (view all)
List Of Accredited Online Marketing Schools
Western Governors University
- Annual Tuition: $6,670
- Locations: Salt Lake City (UT)
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Master of Science in Marketing that totals 33 credit hours. This online program can be completed in around two years with a full class load. The deree offers two specialization options: (1) digital marketing and (2) marketing analytics.
At WGU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on the school's chosen learning management system. Students gain advanced marketing knowledge and skills to advance their careers. Sample coursework includes Market Research, Email Marketing, and Digital Marketing Foundations. Online students are required to complete a capstone course in order to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates include marketing managers, brand managers, and media buyers.
Liberty University
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Locations: Lynchburg (VA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Liberty University (LU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution offering an online Master of Science in Marketing, which requires 36 credit hours. It can take full-time students 1.5 years to graduate. The program has five specializations, like project management and sports marketing and media.
LU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. This program builds a student’s marketing skills, such as critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving. Example courses are Brand Management, Consumer Behavior, and Strategic Marketing Management. A marketing strategy capstone course is required. Careers may include advertising directors, market research analysts, and sales managers.
According to LU’s Student Honor Code, they are not an LGBT-friendly institution. It says that "statements and behaviors that are associated with LGBT lifestyle are prohibited."
Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Annual Tuition: $9,600
- Locations: Manchester (NH)
- Accreditation: NECHE
At Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU Online) — a private, nonprofit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Master of Science in Marketing equaling 36 credit hours. This online degree program can last two years with a full schedule of classes. The program offers four concentrations: (1) digital marketing, (2) new media & communications, (3) marketing research & analytics, and (4) social media marketing.
SNHU Online’s online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on D2L Brightspace. In this program, students can get certifications and credentials from HubSpot, Hootsuite, and others. Some of the courses include Marketing Analytics, Strategic Digital Marketing, and International Market Strategy. Distance learners must complete a marketing capstone. Future careers may include social media directors, media planners, and business development managers.
Johns Hopkins University
- Annual Tuition: $55,350
- Locations: Baltimore (MD)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is a private, nonprofit university that offers an online Master of Science in Marketing totaling 36 credit hours. Full-time students can spend two years completing this degree. Students are required to attend an in-person residency at JHU to complete the Business Communication course.
At JHU, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on the learning management system Canvas. This program helps students learn skills in managing brand audits, assessing brand equity, and developing branding strategies. Sample coursework includes Business Law, Marketing Management, and Statistical Analysis. Graduates may go on to careers like marketing analysts, account supervisors, and senior product managers.
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Annual Tuition: $12,336
- Locations: Adelphi (MD)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a public university offering an online Master of Science in Management - Marketing, which requires 36 credit hours. It can take two years for students to complete this program. The degree comprises core courses, specialized courses, and a capstone course.
UMGC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the D2L Brightspace learning management system. This degree assists students in learning leadership skills that can help them assume senior roles in marketing. The program’s courses include Organizational Theory and Behavior, Financial Decision Making for Managers, and Consumer Behavior. An orientation and strategic management capstone is required. Prospective careers include digital marketing specialists, brand managers, and search engine marketing specialists.
Strayer University
- Annual Tuition: $13,515
- Locations: Nationwide
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Strayer University is a private, for-profit institution with an online Master of Business Administration in Marketing requiring 45 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend two or more years to finish this program. The program is split into MBA core courses with marketing concentration courses.
At Strayer, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. The marketing concentration focuses on topics like social media marketing, consumer behavior, and global marketing management. Some of the program’s courses include Global Marketing Management, Social Media Marketing, and Consumer Behavior. Potential career options include marketing copywriters, key account managers, and e-commerce managers.
Purdue Global
- Annual Tuition: $14,358
- Locations: Indianapolis (IN)
- Accreditation: HLC
Purdue Global is a public university offering an online Master of Business Administration in Marketing that totals 76 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend 2.5 years completing this program. Courses are delivered in six-week sessions, and the program can require 20 hours per week.
D2L Brightspace is Purdue Global’s learning management system for asynchronous and synchronous online learning. The marketing concentration involves marketing research methods and techniques to develop strategic advertising and sales management. Example courses include Advertising, Marketing Research, and Salesforce Management. An MBA capstone is required for graduation. Graduates may go on to careers like marketing managers, strategic planners, and brand managers.
American Public University System
- Annual Tuition: $7,324
- Locations: Charles Town (WV)
- Accreditation: HLC
American Public University System (APUS) is a private, for-profit university that offers an online Master of Business Administration in Marketing requiring 33 credit hours. Future students can expect to spend two years finishing this degree. The marketing concentration comprises nine semester hours.
At APUS, online students complete coursework delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on D2L Brighspace. The marketing concentration helps students develop skills in developing business plans, analyzing marketing strategies, and creating business strategies. Sample courses include Principles of E-Commerce, Strategic Internet Marketing, and Global Marketing Strategy. A capstone is required for graduation. Potential careers include category managers, customer relationship managers, and marketing communication executives.
University of the Cumberlands
- Annual Tuition: $9,875
- Locations: Williamsburg (KY)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of the Cumberlands (UC) is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution with an online Master of Business Administration in Marketing totaling 68 credit hours. Full-time students can spend two or more years completing their studies. The program’s marketing concentration equals 37 credit hours.
UC uses Blackboard to facilitate online asynchronous and synchronous learning. In this program, students gain practical knowledge and skills to excel in their future careers. Example coursework includes Managerial Economics, Healthcare Marketing, B2B Marketing, and New Venture Development. Students must complete a capstone course to graduate. Graduates with an MBA in marketing often pursue careers like social media managers, retail merchandisers, and digital marketers.
University of Massachusetts Global
- Annual Tuition: $12,440
- Locations: Multiple Locations
- Accreditation: WSCUC
At the University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global), which is a private, nonprofit institution, future students can pursue an online Master of Business Administration - Marketing equaling 24 credit hours. It can take two years to complete this program with a full class load. The marketing emphasis comprises 12 credit hours in seminar courses.
UMass Global’s online students complete courses available in asynchronous and synchronous formats on its learning management system. The program is a combination of theory and practice to help students propel their careers. Some of the program’s courses include Financial Management, Marketing Management, and Seminar in Advertising and Promotion. Students must take the Business Strategy and Competitive Advantage capstone. Future careers may include fundraisers, marketing specialists, and search marketing strategists.
Lamar University
- Annual Tuition: $18,622
- Locations: Beaumont (TX)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Lamar University is a public university offering an online Master of Business Administration - Marketing, which totals 30 credit hours. This program’s duration is as little as 12 months. Students who’ve never taken business courses are required to complete two leveling courses.
Lamar facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. In this program, students learn skills and knowledge to help them succeed in the digital marketing field. Example courses include Marketing Management, International Marketing, and Marketing Research. Prospective careers include customer relationship directors, chief marketing officers, and digital media analysts.
University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
- Annual Tuition: $32,264
- Locations: Champaign (IL)
- Accreditation: HLC
At the University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign (Illinois Online), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Master of Science in Strategic Brand Communication, requiring 32 credit hours. This degree can be completed within 17 months. Students can take individual courses or earn a Strategic Brand Communication certificate in (1) Media & Analytics or (2) Consumer Insights.
Illinois Online uses Canvas for online asynchronous and synchronous learning. The program covers topics like business management, strategic analytics & data visualization, and measurement & evaluation. Some of the program’s courses include Entrepreneurship in Business, Promotional Strategy, and Digital Media and Brand Reputation Management. A professional capstone project is required for graduation. Potential careers include product managers, web content managers, and marketing executives.
Louisiana State University - Shreveport
- Annual Tuition: $20,481
- Locations: Shreveport (LA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Louisiana State University - Shreveport (LSUS) is a public institution with an online Master of Business Administration - Marketing requiring 30 credit hours. Full-time students can complete the program within two years. Students can choose to complete a marketing concentration or a marketing specialization.
At LSUS, online students complete courses available on Moodle. The school's online master’s in marketing gives students the advanced skills and knowledge to pursue marketing careers across various industries. Sample courses include Marketing Strategy, Data-Driven Decision-Making, and International Marketing. Gaining advanced marking knowledge through this curriculum may lead to careers like market researchers, digital copywriters, and SEO specialists.
Columbia Southern University
- Annual Tuition: $6,600
- Locations: Orange Beach (AL)
- Accreditation: DEAC
Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a private, for-profit university offering an online Master of Business Administration - Marketing, which comprises 36 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend at least two years finishing this degree. The program comprises 24 credit hours of major courses and 12 credit hours of concentration courses.
CSU facilitates online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. This program equips students with leadership skills to succeed in a marketing career. The program’s courses include Strategic Digital Marketing, Marketing Research and Data Analytics, and Business to Business Marketing. Prospective careers include brand managers, public relations officers, and retail merchandisers.
Nova Southeastern University
- Annual Tuition: $32,110
- Locations: Fort Lauderdale (FL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private, nonprofit university that offers an online Master of Business Administration - Marketing requiring 37-49 credit hours. Full-time students can spend two or more years earning this degree. The degree’s marketing electives comprise 12 credit hours.
NSU’s online students complete coursework delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. In this program, students explore topics like pricing strategy and profit maximization through courses, such as Customer Value, Social Media Marketing, and Consumer Behavior. Alums may pursue careers like marketing benefits managers, sales managers, and advertising and promotions managers.
Regent University Online
- Annual Tuition: $18,620
- Locations: Virginia Beach (VA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Regent University Online (Regent Online) is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution that has an online Master of Business Administration - Marketing totaling 42 credit hours. It can take two years to complete this program online with a full class load. The marketing concentration includes four classes or 12 credit hours.
At Regent Online, online students can complete courses available in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. This program helps students develop advertising, market research, and media buying skills. Example coursework includes Advertising & Promotion, Viral Marketing, and The Digital Marketing Landscape. Potential careers include product managers, market research analysts, and sales managers.
According to the university’s student handbook, Regent Online is not an LGBT-friendly school, prohibiting LGBT individuals from expressing themselves.
Maryville University
- Annual Tuition: $28,470
- Locations: St. Louis (MO)
- Accreditation: HLC
Maryville University is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Master of Business Administration - Marketing. Since the program requires 39 credit hours, prospective students can expect to take two years to finish this program. This online degree is divided into 24 credit hours of core courses, 12 marketing credit hours, and three capstone hours.
At Maryville, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. This degree explores consumer behavior, social networking, branding, and search engine optimization though the following courses: Social Networking and Search Engine Optimization, Branding, and Integrated Marketing Communications. A capstone is also required for graduation. Future careers may include sales managers, chief marketing officers, and market research analysts.
Saint Leo University Online
- Annual Tuition: $23,750
- Locations: St. Leo (FL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Saint Leo University Online is a private, nonprofit, Roman Catholic institution with an online Master of Business Administration - Marketing totaling 36 credit hours. Full-time students can spend two years completing this program. The marketing specialization comprises nine credit hours.
Saint Leo facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system D2L Brightspace. The program is designed for students currently working or are interested in pursuing careers in marketing. Some of the program’s courses include Marketing, Strategic Management, and Advertising and Promotion. An internship is optional but not required. Graduates may go on to careers like business advisers, media buyers, and social media managers.
Boston University
- Annual Tuition: $55,892
- Locations: Boston (MA)
- Accreditation: NECHE
Boston University (BU) is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Master of Science in Global Marketing Management that requires 40 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend two or more years completing their studies. If students satisfy the degree’s electives requirements, they can add two additional courses for an Administrative Sciences graduate certificate.
At BU, online students complete courses delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Blackboard. This degree gives students the knowledge and skills to excel in the global marketing field. The program’s courses include E-Commerce, Innovative Marketing Techniques, and Market and Economic Research and Analysis. Potential careers for graduates include marketing managers, talent agents, and business development managers.
What Is a Marketing Degree?
Let's First Define Marketing
The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines marketing as “the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.”
In simpler terms, marketing is the creative and strategic process by which a brand, individual or entity attempts to capture a consumer’s attention, create engagement, and ultimately influence them to take a specific action.
While the global origins of marketing date back to ancient Egypt around 3000 BCE, U.S. origins are far more recent. In fact, it wasn’t until the country’s first print newspaper in 1704, The Boston News-Letter, that an ad appeared in print. Fast forward some 300+ years to the present day, and we live in a society dominated by advertising and marketing, some of which we’re consciously aware of and some of which we aren’t. It’s anywhere and everywhere and there’s simply no stopping the machine that’s become marketing as we know it in the 21st century.
Marketing at the Master's Level
In pursuing an online master’s in marketing, you’ll play a lead role in helping to shape the future of marketing in today’sever-evolving digital business landscape. To earn a marketing graduate degree, you must complete a curriculum specifically designed to help you prepare for a career in marketing.
However, marketing is a field with seemingly endless, constantly evolving niche areas.
Whereas the curricula in most bachelor’s marketing degree programs are designed to provide students with a more all-encompassing education in business and marketing (in addition to a core curriculum), the courses in a master’s degree program are more specific. For example, where your undergraduate curriculum likely included introductory courses, like Marketing Research, graduate courses around the topic might include such specificity as Environmental Marketing Research or Social Media Marketing, for example.
Master's coursework is more targeted and niche in order to help expand your general knowledge base and provide you with opportunities to focus on your desired area of interest within the program.
Online programs have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional, on-campus programs and are well-respected among marketing professionals.
How Long Will It Take To Earn a Master’s Degree in Marketing?
Again, while no two programs are the same, there are generally two main tracks:
1
One is geared toward working professionals who want to earn a master’s degree in marketing but don’t have time outside of work to take a full-time courseload. Most programs aimed at working professionals last anywhere from 18-24 months, depending on the number of credit hours taken each term.
2
Most institutions offer a second program track for traditional students looking to enroll full time and complete the program in a shorter period. Full-time students can usually complete coursework within 10-15 months, depending on the exact number of credits required.
In considering different colleges and universities for your graduate degree, you’ll want to be sure and find out whether or not an institution requires separate admissions applications for each program track offered or if one application covers them all.
What Are the Admissions Requirements for Online Master’s Programs in Marketing?
Understanding admissions requirements often varies from institution to institution. There are a few standard admissions requirements you can expect to see on one or more applications you complete.
Below are the common admissions requirements:
- Undergraduate transcripts from an accredited college or university — ideally from a bachelor's of business, communications, marketing, or a related field
- Online admissions application, which may include an application fee
- Minimal GPA of around 3.0
- One of two admissions examinations (if applicable) — Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
- Resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or admissions essay
- Professional work experience
However, it’s important to note that many institutions have started moving to a more holistic admissions process in which test scores, among other things, are optional.
Common Courses for a Master's in Marketing Program
The courses and curriculum of a master’s degree in marketing program are intended to provide students with a greater depth and breadth of foundational marketing knowledge and opportunities to focus on different niche areas.
While core coursework may vary slightly from one program to the next, especially between the two most common types of master’s degree programs in marketing — the Master of Science (MS) in Marketing and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in marketing — there are standard courses across programs.
Below are some examples of core classes in marketing at the master's level:
Consumer Behavior
This course involves a journey into the minds of consumers in order to learn how marketing impacts each stage of consumers' decision-making process. Understanding consumer behavior will help you think like a consumer and a marketer.
Digital Marketing
Like everything else in life, marketing has gone digital. Consumers spend a great deal of time online, and digital marketers are well aware. In a digital marketing course, you’ll learn how modern marketing has become remote and how it can help businesses.
Integrated Marketing Communication
An integrated marketing course will teach you how to effectively apply strategic messaging in today’s digital environment. You’ll learn integrated marketing communications theories and see how they’ve been used in different fields.
Marketing Research and Analytics
One of the greatest keys to creating a robust and impactful marketing campaign is to conduct meaningful research and carefully analyze the results. A marketing research and data analytics course will teach you about the different types of research you can conduct and how to use analytics to ensure your campaign's success.
Social Media Marketing
Once considered an industry niche, social media marketing has now become more of an industry standard. Between the multitude of social media platforms, the growing number of users and the marketing analytics capabilities, a strong social media marketing strategy has become necessary for marketers.
If you are most interested in the business side of marketing, explore our list of the best online MBA in marketing programs.
What Can You Do With a Marketing Master's Degree?
Minus a few exceptions like doing surgery, practicing law, being a pilot, etc., there’s not much you can’t do with a master’s degree in marketing.
Effective marketing has become synonymous with business success in the 21st century.
One of the more recent marketing roles created to meet the needs of the digital business world is a digital marketing specialist. Professionals in this role provide their expertise in growing a company’s digital marketing efforts. In addition, digital marketing specialists closely follow the performance of digital marketing campaigns, explore new opportunities in the digital space and play a role in social media marketing initiatives. Achieving an online marketing master's degree may give you a leg up in this burgeoning field of remote work, as it demonstrates your digital prowess.
We've also listed some other popular career paths for professionals with a master’s in marketing:
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers oversee a business or organization’s marketing efforts, including the messaging and imaging portrayed to current and prospective consumers, the alignment of marketing and corporate strategy, the effectiveness of different marketing campaigns, and leading marketing teams. A master's degree is not required to enter this role, but often, experience in the field is what counts. However, it can give you a leg up in the industry, and the highest 10% of earners make over $208,000.
Marketing Research Analyst
Research and analysis play a vital role in marketing. Marketing research analysts have specific skill sets which allow them to conduct marketing research and analysis at every stage of a marketing campaign. They help their marketing teams craft data-driven and strategic marketing decisions based on research findings, case studies, performance analysis, predictive analysis and a host of other marketing research tools. It's important to keep in mind that it's possible to begin this career with a bachelor's, but some research positions require a master’s degree.
Professional Organizations To Join
EXPERT TIP
To aid your job search, become certified, participate in trainings, and expand your network of peers, you should thinking about joining some communities in the marketing world:
Is a Master’s Degree in Marketing Worth It?
It can be stressful trying to figure out whether it’s worth it to pursue a master’s program in marketing online. Beyond the notion that a earning a master’s degree will lead to an increase in salary over time, there are a number of other factors to consider:
- If you’re working full-time, with or without a partner and children, will you actually have the time to commit?
- When will you have time each day and week to set aside for lectures, readings, assignments, projects, etc.?
- Considering the marketing vertical in which you currently work or aspire to work, is there a tangible benefit to earning a master’s degree in marketing?
- Would you be better served by simply putting yourself out there, individually, to gain new professional, resume-building experiences?
These are a few examples of the types of questions you’ll want to ask yourself as you continue the decision-making process.
Also, consider the following pros and cons:
Potential Advantages
More job opportunities
Receiving a formal education in an up-to-date master’s program in marketing could lead to new professional career paths. Additionally, holding a master’s degree in marketing, as opposed to simply an undergraduate degree, could make you a more attractive job candidate than those who don’t have a higher degree.
Networking
In today’s business environment, having a strong professional network can help open doors that might remain closed otherwise. By pursuing a master’s degree in marketing, you can grow your network of colleagues to include fellow students, respected faculty members, and industry professionals.
Teaching at the collegiate level
Earning a master’s degree would keep you on the path to potentially teach at the university level, especially if you went on to pursue a doctoral degree in marketing or a related field.
Potential Disadvantages
Expense
If you’re not in a position to pay tuition and fees out of pocket, the burden of thousands of dollars in student loan debt might not be worth the trade off. Further, scholarship availability likely varies from one program to the next.
Constant change
The marketing landscape, particularly in regard to digital marketing, seemingly evolves each day. You must be willing to be a lifelong learner in this field, as it requires constant change.
Master's not required
A master’s degree in marketing is not a requirement for the majority of industry jobs. Obtaining a professional industry certification from an accredited agency may hold as much weight to a current or potential employer as an actual master’s degree.
Time commitment
Thinking about your current situation in life, considering things like your current job, relationship, dependents and other commitments, adding another time-consuming element to your life may create more stress than benefits.
Bottom Line
To summarize, marketing continues to evolve in today’s digital environment. Accordingly, opportunities for professional growth in traditional and digital marketing are expected to grow by 10% between 2020 and 2030.
The decision concerning whether or not to pursue a master’s in marketing is a highly individual one, as you must consider whether current personal and professional commitments in your life would allow the time and energy required to earn an online master’s degree in marketing.
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